Elections, zoning top issues in last half of 2014

Stories making headlines during the final six last months of 2014 focused on the environment and off-year election as Daniella Levine-Cava won the Miami- Dade Commission District 8 race in a short but occasionally bitter fight with incumbent Lynda Bell.

The Florida Department of Transportation began Krome Avenue four-laning while environmental interests lodged protests against Coral Reef Commons development on former University of Miami pine rockland near Zoo Miami, as well as proposed “Ludlam Trail” greenway on abandoned Florida East Coast Railroad tracks in East Kendall. Those and other stories made headlines in the Kendall Gazette from July to December 2014.

DECEMBER
By a 8-3 vote, Commissioners join FECI to co-plan Ludlam Trail greenway and order January charrettes for resident input…Bikers view planning for 75-mile “River of Grass” trail from West Kendall to East Naples as $1 million feasibility study begins…$835,000 will fund extension of SW 157th Avenue biking and walking trail… Commissioner Zapata lauded by colleague Xavier Suarez for proposing $78 million from GOB funds for Courthouse repairs after voters defeat taxing referendum Nov. 4…KFHA hosts “Farm Share” area kids for fourth year at Dec. 12 holiday party…Former West Kendall activist Martha Backer begins watch-dogging Jacksonville government after family relocation to North Florida.